Professional Editor Kimber Leigh Wheaton

I’ve been working as an editor for small presses for several years and have edited multiple bestsellers. But as self-publishing becomes more prevalent, I’ve decided that I also want to help independent authors make their novels the best they can be. I’m a huge advocate of self-publishing (done well). Too many self-pubbed titles are in need of a good edit. I understand the budget issues independent authors face, so my fees are very competitive. I am also available to publishing houses for any of the services listed below.

Sampling of Services:

Paid Critique: This is an in-depth book review. I will read your manuscript (up to 100k words) and provide a 1000 word review highlighting characterization, world, pace, where it fits in market trends, and can also address specific topics if you have a focus. $100. My most popular service. The turnaround for a paid critique is 5-7 days.

Back Blurb Critique & Edit: Don’t let months of work go to waste with a lousy back copy. I will edit your blurb and offer suggestions to tighten it and make it better. $35. Turnaround 3-5 days.

Content Edits: This is the most comprehensive type of edit, focusing on the big picture. Plot, characters, world-building, pace, dialogue, and overall flow are the primary focus. $300 for up to 50000 words + $50 for each additional 10000 words (prorated at $0.005 per word). The turnaround for a content edit is 2-3 weeks. This will include back and forth communication and reading revisions made by the author.

Line Edits: Line edits concentrate on sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and tense. While line edits don’t focus on the big picture, I will certainly notate any plot or character inconsistencies I find. Line edits run $200 for up to 50000 words + $25 for each additional 10000 words (prorated at $0.0025 per word). This is the most requested type of editing, and the turnaround is about 1-2 weeks.

Proofreading: Last step prior to publication. This edit is a final step in the editing process after all others have been completed. Catches basic errors: punctuation, grammar, and spelling. This service runs $150 for up to 50000 words + $20 for each additional 10000 words (prorated at $0.002 per word). The turnaround is about 1 week

Query Critique & Edit: Sending a query to a publisher or agent? Be sure to have it critiqued before you hit send. I will help make your query shine in the slush. $35. Turnaround 3-5 days.

Synopsis Critique & Edit: Ah, the dreaded synopsis. Don’t you just cringe when an agent or publisher asks for one of these? Do your manuscript justice with a professional synopsis. $50. Turnaround 3-5 days.

Turnaround time is listed as a frame of reference. This may change depending on my current workload, my own deadlines, and conventions. I will always provide a turnaround for each individual project.

Experience: I am a published author of four YA novels, with two on the way. The first book of my YA paranormal series, Tortured Souls, is a #1 Amazon bestseller and also won a silver medal for best YA horror/mystery in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. I have worked as an editor for small presses and branched out to take on some indie clients. I pride myself on my attention to detail, as well as my knowledge of the market. Though I specialize in YA, New Adult, romance, and urban fantasy, I also edit everything but non-fiction. I am an avid reader, averaging about two books a week to keep up on current trends in the market.